The olive-green tanager is a species of bird in the family Mitrospingidae. It is endemic to Brazil.
Region
Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in evergreen and semideciduous Atlantic Forest, favoring mature forest but also using secondary growth, forest edges, and shaded plantations. It forages mainly in the midstory to canopy, moving through vine tangles and dense foliage. The species is most frequent in foothill and montane forests but can occur down to lowlands where forest is intact. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks, especially along ridges and forested slopes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olive-green tanager is a member of the family Mitrospingidae and the sole species in its genus Orthogonys. It is a canopy and midstory forager that often joins mixed-species flocks in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Its fairly plain, olive-toned plumage makes it inconspicuous, but its sharp chips reveal its presence. Habitat loss in the Atlantic Forest affects it locally, though it remains fairly widespread in suitable remnants.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between tree crowns
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups and regularly integrates into mixed-species flocks led by tanagers and antwrens. Pairs maintain loose territories during breeding, nesting in concealed sites within dense foliage. Outside breeding, it ranges widely in search of fruiting trees and arthropod-rich patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, high-pitched chips and short twittering phrases delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls are sharp, metallic ticks used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Fairly uniform olive-green with slightly paler yellow-olive underparts; wings and tail a shade darker with subtle edging; lacks wingbars.
Diet
Takes a mix of small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes berries and small fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory and canopy of humid forest, along edges, and in second growth with mature trees. Frequently visits fruiting trees and moves along vine tangles and bromeliad-laden branches.
